Therapeutic effect of metallic stent implantation on the treatment of central airway malacia after lung transplantation
10.3760/cma.j.cn421203-20241119-00228
- VernacularTitle:金属支架置入治疗肺移植术后中心气道软化受者的疗效分析
- Author:
Hang YANG
1
;
Min XIONG
1
;
Jingyu CHEN
1
;
Ting JIANG
1
;
Bo WU
1
Author Information
1. 南京医科大学附属无锡人民医院肺移植科，无锡 214023
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Lung transplantation;
Metallic stent;
Central airway;
Malacia
- From:
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation
2025;46(4):300-305
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of metallic stent implantation for the treatment of central airway malacia following lung transplantation.Methods:Clinical data of 14 recipients who underwent metallic stent implantation for central airway malacia after lung transplantation at Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from January 2023 to June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical symptoms, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale scores, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scores, and pulmonary function were evaluated before and 2 weeks after stent implantation. The incidence of post-implantation complications was recorded during follow-up.Results:Among the 14 recipients, 13 were male and 1 was female, with a mean age of (57.29±10.93) years (range: 27-71 years). All patients successfully underwent metallic stent placement in a single attempt, with no serious intraoperative complications. Clinical symptoms such as dyspnea improved significantly after stent implantation. Compared with pre-treatment values, mMRC scores decreased [3.00 (2.00, 4.00) vs 1.00 (1.00, 2.00), P<0.001], KPS scores increased [30.00 (10.00, 32.50) vs 80.00 (60.00, 90.00), P=0.001], and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1) improved [(1.25±0.42) L vs (1.74±0.38) L, P=0.006]. Postoperative complications included granulation tissue formation (7 cases), epithelialization within the stent (3 cases), and mucus plugging (4 cases). As of the last follow-up in September 2024, eight patients had their stents successfully removed, and one patient had died due to cytomegalovirus infection. Conclusions:Metallic stent implantation can significantly relieve clinical symptoms of central airway malacia after lung transplantation, improve quality of life, and shows a favorable safety profile.
